Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
5
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
By Sea Life Kayak Adventures
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
To enjoy an up-close look at the mangrove tunnels on Florida's Gulf Coast, don't miss this kayak adventure where you can actually paddle beneath the trees. Meet-up at Ted Sperling Nature Park to pick up your kayak, before heading out on the water. As your guide leads you through Little Sarasota Bay, you can marvel at the famous mangroves, and maybe even spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 11-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Paddle to the mangrove tunnels on this Little Sarasota Bay kayak adventure
- Enjoy views of Lido Key as you paddle with a group of just 20 travelers
- You can choose to paddle solo, or enjoy a tandem kayak ride with a friend
- Easily find the departure location just a short drive from downtown Sarasota
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Local guide
- Professional guide
- USCG Life Jacket
- Lightweight carbon fiber paddle
What's not included- Gratuities
- Start:
- 190 Taft Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USAWe are located in the center of the trailer parking lot (spot #5 counting from the right). Look for the white "Sea Life Kayak Check-In" sandwich board sign. Ask around if you have any trouble finding us
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 108117P1- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 108117P1
From
$59.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- distantr20240 contributionsGood experience when visiting the area first time.Great tour all around, Kenzie was an energetic and thorough guide. We didn't see any large marine life but that beyond the tour control. Timely and 2 hours passed by quick. A very good upperbody exercise session if you're first time kayaking. We loved it.Written August 25, 2024
- Fearless7165140 contributionsMangrove tourTrip was excellent Sky was an excellent guide and provided a lot of information. Would recommend this excursion to anyone in the areaWritten August 22, 2024
- Ringo3170 contributionsFun TripAn enjoyable kayaking tour. Andrew was a great guide. We had several Cormorants following our kayaks, diving under the boats and catching fish. Andrew was able to locate a Manatee and it made the trip seeing it in the wild. The mangrove tunnels are always fun.Written May 5, 2024
- jspawlak20240 contributionsKayaking in the MangrovesWas only in a Kayak one other time so was a bit nervous. There was no need to be. It was easy, husband and I used the two person kayak. The mangroves were so beautiful and peaceful. Our guide, Hoppy, was the best. She was funny, interacted with all of us, very knowledgeable and was so enthusiastic about Florida’s beautiful vegetation and animal life. Would definitely do this again but would want Hoppy as a guide.Written May 4, 2024
- jesifro220 contributionsGreat way to experience Florida!We had Isn’t as our guide and he was very engaging and knowledgeable. Had us laughing the whole time. It was a low key kayak and the mangroves were stunning. Very peaceful and serene.Written April 25, 2024
- floridapartsfinders0 contributionsGreatest GuideIt was weekend date for My Bride and Me and we have taking up Kayaking as one of our Hobbies to do we both really enjoyed this because it was a beautiful day and we had a EXCELLENT Guide showing us around and explaining a lot about the Gulf and Animals in it Ian was really greatWritten April 24, 2024
- dmeyers03140 contributionsExcellent ExperienceGreat experience with this adventure tour. Our guide Andrew was knowledgeable, professional and entertaining! The wildlife and mangroves offer a wonderful trip. Recommend.Written April 23, 2024
- Ey47600 contributionsGreat and beautiful mangrove tour!This is a great tour through the mangroves, was very beautiful. Hoppy the guide was funny and a pleasure!Written April 20, 2024
- SJWWindsor0 contributionsGuide Ian-sea life tourIan was very knowledgeable & entertaining. His itinerary was flexible & based on feedback from the group. We saw manatees as well as many birds and other sea life.Written March 31, 2024
- haybetch0 contributionsFun in the sunWe had a great tour! Ian was very informative and a lot of fun! We were very impressed with how he remembered everyone’s names.Written March 30, 2024
- midwesties0 contributionsGreat kayak trip & tour guideMy husband had a great time on this kayak trip! Tour guide, Rob, was extremely knowledgeable, light hearted and made the 2 hr trip extremely fun. He made sure all members of our group saw key items, animals and stayed safe. Highly recommend this company!Written March 26, 2024
- R5XLnatalies0 contributionsGreat Kayaking TourAwesome tour through the mangroves. Our guide was informative and we got to see all kinds of wildlife!Written March 25, 2024
- ginaa1520240 contributionsSo much fun!! Fun for any age!We had so much fun on our kayak adventure! We had our kids with us, ages 6 and 11 and they loved it as well! I think this is a fun adventure for any age. It was very peaceful and relaxing to be out on the water, and seeing the mangroves and going through the tunnels was such a cool experience! Our tour guides name was Rob and he was super nice and helpful, and gave of lots of information about the area and sealife! Thank you guys for the memorable day! Definitely would recommend!Written March 25, 2024
- JesseLehman0 contributionsKayak tripIan is humorous, and very knowledgeable of the outdoors. He explains clearly throughout the tour. He did everything he could to find a manatee. We eventually found one and was able to see it clearly in the water. At the end of the tour, he gave everyone his pics and videos of everything we seen. Thanks for the enjoyable experience!!Written March 23, 2024
- Safari459712429790 contributionsKayakingExcellent customer service and experience! Appreciated that water proof bags were provided. The mangrove tunnels were so cool 😎Written March 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,559 reviews
Excellent
1,524
Very good
27
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Marco028
Dunedin, FL54 contributions
Nov 2020
Foremost, Jessica, our tour guide, was exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable and patient. I was able to reserve 2 single kayaks- my brother and I- at the spur of the moment on a windy Saturday afternoon in early November. Payment was easily rendered via the portable card reading device. Without request, Jessica offered a dry bag for my keys and phone- excellent service! Even better, Jessica rolled our two kayaks to the water's edge. Piece of cake! There we joined just two other tandem kayaks, making it only 6 people on our tour. Few enough to hear Jessica's entertaining wisdom along the way. Jessica helped each of us in before launching herself. The mangrove tunnels were amazing, but I could see how this could be a little challenging for beginners. While in each tunnel, the force of the wind was nullified leaving only peace, tranquility and nature to be experienced. The tour included landing on a sandy beach with a few moments to enjoy the roar of the shoreline and Sarasota's city scape. Two hours was just enought time to experience the mangroves and the estuary teeming with birds and other wildlife. It was one of the best kayaking experiences we've had. Well done Sea Life, and we express our sincere gratitude to Jessica.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky D
3 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
My husband and I had never gone Kayaking before. We did the tandem boat I definitely would go in a solo boat next time, that way you have more control over the rocking, we did really good though . Ian our guide was great very knowledgeable and we got to hold star fish crabs and the tiny jelly fish were everywhere. It was awesome to go into the tunnels of the mangroves we felt very safe and never rushed it was a great experience we will definitely go again!!
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy G
5 contributions
Aug 2023
My wife and I did the guided mangrove tunnel kayak tour in August 2023. Andrew, our guide, was excellent. He is very knowledgeable of the area, the history and the marine life and the birds that we saw. He even went as far as to get in the water and pick up an upside down jellyfish to show to those in our group, even though he was getting stung. We highly recommend this tour for anyone who is visiting the Sarasota area.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ekr531
Fort Wayne, IN3 contributions
Jessica took us on a tour of the beautiful mangroves and inlets around Longboat Key. We saw manatee and osprey. The tunnels are really peaceful and fun to navigate. Working a single kayak was no problem for any of us 13-50 yrs. Teenagers 13-19 loved it. Guided tours provide interesting historical and environmental information. 4pm tour was a nice balance of sun and shade. Recommend bathing suits or a change of clothes. You will inevitably get a little damp. Plan to book again when we return the area. Also, reserved over the phone with Tom. Had a little miscommunication about number of boats reserved. Tom fixed it and refunded immediately. Flexibility is greatly appreciated when booking special events like this. Excellent customer service!!
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann K
2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
Jessie was a great guide. We had a larger group and she was able to keep us together. She is gifted with a voice that projects, which allowed us all to hear her. She made sure we could see manatees, too. Thank you Jessie!
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Del H
Leesburg, FL89 contributions
Oct 2020
Jessica did an awesome job. As soon as we hit the first tunnel I was awe struck. Weather prevented us from hitting open water but that was perfect; I think the open water would have been boring. Going thru the tunnels was simply amazing. Next time in Sarasota, will do this again.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jshaffer2020
1 contribution
Sep 2020
This was our first time through the mangrove tunnels at Lido and absolutely loved it. So peaceful and serene. Hard to believe there are 20 tunnels to maneuver through. My husband tipped over in the mangroves, but Ian quickly came to his rescue as it's not an easy feat to get back in a kayak with no
leverage in 3-4 feet of water. Ian's dry sense of humor kept us chuckling throughout our tour.
leverage in 3-4 feet of water. Ian's dry sense of humor kept us chuckling throughout our tour.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyson T
5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Our tour guide Andrew was a champ. He was a very personable and knowledgeable tour guide. We were able to see manatees, a lot of beautiful birds, crabs and jellyfish in addition to the mangrove tunnels.
But most of all he saved me and my daughter as I couldn’t get the tandem kayak to steer straight at first. I blame the wind and my lack of skill (although I’ve kayaked before). But he connected our kayak and got us where we needed to be.
We had a memorable experience, and I give it 5 stars. However I want to add a bit of caution. I love that he got us to where the manatees were, but I wasn’t expected the physical effort and work required. My husband is a strong kayaker and even he thought it was a lot of work. Now like I mentioned, we had some strong winds blowing against us which may not be the norm? But either way, I was naive about the open waters.
Truly a memorable day. The small group was so nice. I’d highly recommend Sea Life and if you’re shopping around give promo code sealife10 a try as it saved us a bit too!
But most of all he saved me and my daughter as I couldn’t get the tandem kayak to steer straight at first. I blame the wind and my lack of skill (although I’ve kayaked before). But he connected our kayak and got us where we needed to be.
We had a memorable experience, and I give it 5 stars. However I want to add a bit of caution. I love that he got us to where the manatees were, but I wasn’t expected the physical effort and work required. My husband is a strong kayaker and even he thought it was a lot of work. Now like I mentioned, we had some strong winds blowing against us which may not be the norm? But either way, I was naive about the open waters.
Truly a memorable day. The small group was so nice. I’d highly recommend Sea Life and if you’re shopping around give promo code sealife10 a try as it saved us a bit too!
Written December 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue S
Venice, FL2 contributions
Jul 2021
My daughter and I took the Kayak Guided Tour. It was a great experience. There were people with all skill levels and the guide took time at the beginning to go over the basics of oar handling and safety. Ian (our guide) made it fun, stress free and was very informative. We were fortunate to see some birds and manatees as well as sea urchins and starfish. The Mangrove tunnels were great to explore! We would go again and definitely ask for Ian as our guide.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill Harvey
Sarasota78 contributions
My 3 kids (17, 15, 10) and I reserved the 2 Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Trip. We were kept informed by text about weather changes by our guide Jessi before the trip to give us the best possible experience. Everything was great from the introduction, to the launch, the tour of mangrove tunnels, a little beach time.
Jessi was engaging to everyone, kids and adults. Jessi was funny, and made our trip even better than anticipated. We're locals, and so happy we found this bit of fun right here in our back yard.
Jessi was engaging to everyone, kids and adults. Jessi was funny, and made our trip even better than anticipated. We're locals, and so happy we found this bit of fun right here in our back yard.
Written June 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles M
Bradenton, Florida
Can I bring my own kayak, and if so, is the rate less? We're experienced kayakers but new to area. Thanks!
Written November 18, 2023
I would simply call and ask. I'm confident that you can bring your own kayak, but don't know if the cost would be less.
Written November 20, 2023
Scenic30281853648
Saint Charles, Missouri
What can you bring on the kayak with you? Should I bring a wet bag for my things?
Written May 24, 2022
They do supply a wet bag for some small items like a phone. The kayaks don't really have room for storage. You could bring a water bottle but there's not much room for anything else.
Written May 25, 2022
I want a kayak for my hisband and I to ride together in the same kayak. Do you have those and how much is it?
Written June 12, 2019
Hi, yes they had tandem kayaks available. Our tour was $100 + $20 tip
Written June 16, 2019
What's the difference btwn the kayak tunnel tour and the kayak eco tour?
Written February 28, 2019
Showing results 1-8 of 8